| ACCIDENTS |
| CAR
TRUCK
BICYCLE
MOTORCYCLE
BOAT |
| WHAT
YOU SHOULD DO
IF YOU ARE INVOLVED
IN AN ACCIDENT |
Accident
claims involve your right to recover for injuries and damages
sustained through the negligent or wrongful use of a motor vehicle
by another person. You may have rights to recover for the injuries
and damages you sustain as a result of the negligent use of a
motor vehicle by another whether you were injured while in
your own vehicle, in another person's vehicle or as a pedestrian.
You may be entitled to money damages as a result of your injuries
and property damage caused by the negligent operation of any motor
vehicle, including, but not limited to, automobiles, busses, trucks,
motorcycles, and boating accidents.
If you are involved in an accident involving a motor vehicle,
you have certain rights and duties which are important for you
to understand in order to seek full compensation for the injuries
and damages you sustained due to someone else's negligence.
By
failing to properly document and prove your case, you can reduce
the value of your claim or possibly even "destroy" your
claim. You should pay particular attention to the following items:
-
Immediately
seek emergency medical
attention, if needed.
Tell
all of the medical practitioners you see that you were hurt
in a motor vehicle accident and be sure to discuss ALL of
the injuries you sustained. Mention each body part that was
injured.
-
Get
the name, address, home telephone number, drivers' license
number, social security number (if possible), auto license
plate number, work location, and
work number of the party who injured you.
-
Make a Police
Report. If possible, have the local police department come
to the scene of the accident if there has been any property
damage or injury.
The police officer will file a report as to how the accident
happened, as well as listing the names and addresses of witnesses
and those
involved in the accident. If a police officer cannot come
to the scene of the accident, then you should report the accident
at the nearest police station in the community where the accident
took place. In your report to the police or your comments
to others you should throughly explain how the accident happened.
-
Get
the name, address, home telephone number, auto license plate
number, & work number of any witnesses to the accident.
-
Record
date, time, location, road conditions, and weather conditions
of the scene of the accident. Draw a diagram of the accident
scene.
(Download
our Accident Info Form)
-
Immediately
take photographs of any damage done to your vehicle and other
personal property before any repairs begin.
-
In your own words, write down how the accident happened and
what happened to you.
- Describe
the injuries you sustained in the accident.
- Contact an expierienced personal
injury attorney to determine if you have a claim against the
other driver, or if you have other questions concerning your
legal rights. It is important to consult with an attorney experienced
in handling accident cases.
- Don't
talk to the wrongdoer's insurance company before you speak to
your lawyer. Saying and doing the wrong thing can potentially
reduce the value of your personal injury claim!
In
the event of bodily injury, do not give a recorded statement
to any insurance company, including your own, until you have
consulted an experienced personal injury attorney.
- Report
the accident to your insurance company. Contact your insurance
company or agent to put your company on notice of the accident.
It is important to give your insurance company notice of the
accident so you can qualify for the property damage, medical,
and other benefits for which you have paid premiums for benefits
under your policy. Your insurance company has a duty to provide
a legal defense if you are sued as a result of the accident.
Call Gruhin & Gruhin - "Ohio's Personal Injury Lawyers".
Let us evaluate whether
you have the right to seek a money award for the injury &
damages you sustained as a result of your accident.
The smartest
way to make sure you are adequately compensated for your injuries
is to obtain the services of an experienced personal injury
attorney.
Gruhin
& Gruhin is an Experienced Personal Injury
Law Firm.
If
you are an accident victim
call GRUHIN & GRUHIN
We want to evaluate
your claim. |
Suite
750
